Red Bulls blank Inter Miami as Lionel Messi makes limited appearance

The New York Red Bulls took advantage of an early own goal, added an Emil Forsberg tally in second-half stoppage time, and capitalised on a limited appearance by Lionel Messi to earn a crucial 2-0 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday.

The Red Bulls took the lead in the seventh minute on an own goal by Miami’s Casemiro and had numerous opportunities for more goals with 18 shot attempts despite holding possession for only 37.5% of the contest.

Forsberg scored his first goal since Aug 15 when Miami easily allowed the Red Bulls to move into the box.

Cameron Harper advanced down the right flank and found an unmarked Forsberg, who lifted a right-footed shot over goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair from the center of the box.

Forsberg’s goal helped the Red Bulls (11-14-6, 39 points) bounce back from consecutive losses and move into the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

New York goalie Ethan Horvath made two saves and did not face any shots from Messi.

Before Forsberg’s goal, Horvath made a kick save on a header from Sergio Reguilon, off a pass from Messi, in the 83rd minute.

Messi did not start the game due to his trip to Spain to accept the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport on Friday.

The superstar entered in the 56th minute, had a pair of corner kicks and was blocked by Dylan Nealis immediately after Forsberg’s goal.

St Clair finished with four saves as Miami (15-6-10, 55 points) dropped to 4-2-4 in its past 10 games after Messi had scored 13 times in his past 11 MLS games.

The Red Bulls took the lead by moving the ball through the box and following a few passes. Jorge Ruvalcaba worked his way toward the end line and sent a cross toward Julian Hall in front of St Clair.

The ball deflected off Casemiro and into the net for an own goal.

Hall nearly scored in the 18th when he was alone in the center of the box, but his header sailed over the net.

In the 23rd, Ronald Donkor saw a right-footed shot from the center of the box stopped by St. Clair and nine minutes later Ruvalcaba missed the net.

Hall had another chance in the 40th minute, but his right-footed shot was blocked by Micael.

At the other end, Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul sent a right-footed shot over the net just before halftime.

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